OCR Text |
Show Spring Sports Guide March 2004 5 Quick beginnings to Emery season Head Coach Jimmy Jones is cautiously optimistic as the 2004 baseball season begins at Emery High School. The team began practice on March 1 and had their first preseason game three days later. The Spartans traveled to St. George and played three games in three days against Wasatch, Ben Lomond and Pine View high schools. Steve Gordon and Shannon Hyatt will assist Coach Jones again this season. New to the program will be freshmensophomore coach Blake Butler. Leading the Spartans this year will be a pair of senior pitchers that have been mainstays for the Spartans the last two seasons. Chandler Pearson and Bowie Jeffs will be taking charge on the mound and will split time at shortstop when they are not pitching. Jones said the pitchers have had to make the transition from the basketball court quickly, where they lead Emery to a state tournament bid. "Bowie and Chandler are working their arms into baseball shape, Jones commented. They had to be ready to throw three days after basketball ended and it will take them awiiile to be able to pitch a complete game." Scott Montgomery, Conlee Luke and Trevor Whiting will also see a lot of time in the pitching rotation this season. Outfielders this year will be seniors Wes Baletka and Daniel Luke and sophomore Trevor Thompson. Chandler Tanner returns as the starting catcher. In the infield, Josh Eden, a sophomore, will start at third base, junior Conlee Luke will start at second base and Spencer Cook, a sophomore, will start at first base. Senior Brady Larsen will be a designated hitter this season. Emery is only just getting a feel for the season and the strengths and weaknesses of the team. 'We have some potential this year but we struggling right now., Jones noted. We are hitting the ball pretty good for the beginning of the year but our defense is a struggle." The Spartans has played a total of 10 preseason games and will open the region season with a game against Lehi today. Bowie Jeffs winds up for a pitch. When Jeffs is not on the mound, he will be covering shortstop for Emery. JOV Supports our Community Sports BESTPRODUCING MAetnfiES JOY MINING MACHINERY 1 275 W. Ridge Road Wellington, 435-637-61- 61 Utah 84542 KaoasaEti Let the good times roll. ijuSi Arctic cat j |